American Vs European Roulette Explained

The classic game of roulette is the ultimate visual representation of casino gambling worldwide. While the fundamental idea —guessing where a small ball will land— is the same across the globe, not all roulette wheels are created equal. The casino world features two main versions that dominate the casino floors: the US version and the European wheel. Knowing the massive variations between these wheels is the most vital step for anyone trying to protect their bankroll.

The Number of Pockets: The One Massive Difference

The absolute biggest variation between American and European roulette is found directly on the wheel. A French or Euro wheel has exactly thirty-seven slots: the standard 1-36, plus one 0. In stark contrast, the American table contains 38 spaces. It has the same numbers 1 through 36, the 0, plus a devastating extra pocket: the 00. This tiny physical difference might seem insignificant to a casual tourist, but mathematically, it ruins the math for the player.

The Devastating Impact on the House Edge

In roulette, the winning odds paid are strictly designed as if there were only 36 numbers. To illustrate, hitting a single number always pays 35 to 1, no matter the wheel type. Since the Euro version only has one extra pocket (the zero) that causes outside bets to lose, the casino's built-in mathematical advantage is exactly 2.70 percent. However, because the American wheel has 38 total spaces but pays the same odds, the casino's advantage skyrockets to a massive 5.26%.


Always choose European Roulette if both are available. There is zero benefit to play with a double zero.
The Top Line bet only exists on the double zero layout and is statistically terrible, with a massive 7.89 percent margin.
Specific Euro tables feature the La Partage rule, which reduces the casino margin on outside bets to a tiny 1.35%.

A Quick Comparison: Both Wheels Compared

To summarize the mathematics, please review the detailed table. It shows the exact reason why pros always actively seek out the European layout.


FeatureEuropean RouletteDouble Zero Wheel
Spaces on Wheel3738
Zero SlotsSingle ZeroDouble Zero
Casino AdvantageLow at 2.70%5.26%
Best Odds1.35%Always 5.26%


In conclusion, the extra 00 pocket is nothing more than a casino trick to drain your bankroll faster from casual tourists. No matter if you are wagering at a lavish casino in Las Vegas or gambling at an online casino from your smartphone, your primary strategy must always be choosing the 37-pocket wheel. Refusing to play the American version is the simplest method to mathematically improve your long-term returns.